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China to implement stricter air quality controls

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Environment Minister Zhou Shengxian [File photo]

"The central government is determined to curb emissions in energy-consuming and highly-polluting industries," Zhou said.

He said the government will continue energy restructuring efforts, as coal burning is a major source of air pollution.

Supplies of clean energy such as natural gas and methane will be increased and construction projects that fail to pass environmental evaluations will not be allowed to continue, Zhou said.

Zhou also emphasized the importance of controlling pollutants other than PM2.5.

Experts say the action plan is a landmark effort in the government's fight to control air pollution.

Wang Jinnan, deputy head of the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, said the plan indicates that the government is focusing more on improving air quality, with more attention paid to controlling multiple pollutants and their sources, as well as strengthened cooperation between government departments.

In order to carry out the measures effectively, government departments and research institutes should formalize a national atmospheric pollutant emission inventory and create an effective supervision system for air pollution prevention and treatment, said Chai Fahe, deputy head of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences.

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